Dems target two parts of Interior Dept. budget in debate

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) added that the bill language would prevent construction or expansion of factories, as it would prevent these entities from getting the needed EPA permits.

Another section of the bill would cut Interior Department spending in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) spoke out against this proposal, as did Del. Gregorio Salban (D-Northern Mariana Islands). Salban said the funding cut would hurt efforts there to control a growing population of snakes in that territory.

A second round of voting on various amendments is expected later Wednesday, and House debate on other amendments is expected to continue after that.